In this regular feature during the World Cup, we will speak to many of our players about their route into rugby, to hopefully inspire others to make the same step and give the sport a go.

Whether it be a parent of a young child, or a 40-year-old who fancies getting his boots back on – there’s a rugby opportunities out there and for most, it can be found at Manor Park RFC.

Second team player Carl Lester is a perfect example. His life was plenty busy with work commitments and with his band The Enthused.

But a drunken conversation with Park player and fellow musician Lee Joyce led to him taking up the sport at the age of 28.

Carl, wearing his club shirt and tie, was in the clubhouse on Saturday after the second team’s defeat to Coventry Welsh, with a jug of beer in his hands for his team mate’s after the elation of scoring his first try.

He spoke about his Route into Rugby with press officer Bobby Bridge…

BB: What was your background in rugby pre-Manor Park and what was your inspiration to get involved at Manor Park?

CL: Absolutely none. I joined last year as a drunken promise to Lee Joyce and Kev Williams and fell in love instantly with the sport and more importantly with the club.

Talk us through your early training sessions and match-day experiences? How tough were they and how important were they in your development as a player?

Early training was very strange not knowing the laws or positions just trying as hard as I could to keep up with everyone and not look out of place. I shouldn't have played as early as I did as I was more of a hindrance but I listened to as much advice as possible especially from Michael Kemp, Jon Hall and of course my not so little bro Charlie Wilson. Hopefully now I'm not as much of a hindrance.

You scored your first try for Manor Park on Saturday, talk us through it and how much it meant to you to score.

It was a blur to be honest I just reacted, it wasn't until I got up and the lads came over to me cheering that it sank in. It's amazing to score for the club but I would have happily given up my try if it meant we got the win.

Manor Park prides itself on offering an opportunity to all to play rugby. Given your later arrival to the sport than the norm, how much would you recommend people getting involved with the sport, and specifically, Manor Park RFC?

It's a shame that rugby isn't in the spotlight as much as football as I think it's a far superior team sport. In football a star player can win you a game out of nothing in rugby you need all 15 and subs to be on their game working together, if not, the whole ship sinks. Anyone who has given rugby the slightest thought should get a pair of boots and get themselves to training because it's a brilliant sport to be a part of and you'll meet some cracking people.

How big a part in your life does rugby now play?

Rugby is all I can think about which my girlfriend and band would probably hate to hear. I've changed my diet, training routine and study old matches just to make myself the best player I can be. If I let a team mate down it hurts just as if I do my job I leave the field with pride.

I love rugby because...
It's the best team sport on the planet!

For information about getting involved at Manor Park, email manorparkrfc@hotmail.co.uk - or find us on Facebook!